Daughtry - A Disgraceful, Bland, White Bread Excuse For Music

Chris Daughtry is proof that anyone can sell anything with corporate $$ pushing, promoting, and buying airwaves and other forms of media. After listening to this piece of plastic called "Leave This Town", (I'd never actually buy this thing, God forbid), I can think of thousands of better songwriters, musicians and performers who sell far less - not because of an inferior product, but because of a lack of promotion. It's formulaic warm milk, a mass produced product, much like a Big Mac, geared for mass consumption without a shread of individuality or uniqueness - nothing you won't forget in short order. It's *disposable goods* at it finest. It's as bland as it gets. Save you money folks.

Here's just a sampling of the lousy reviews this terrible CD is getting. What a disgrace to true music lovers.

"Practiced, perhaps overly-practiced, is a good way to describe the soullessly glossy song."

"Leave This Town is only “rock” because of Daughtry’s jeans, silly facial hair and the fact that he had a more rocker-like persona than Idol co-stars Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee. (Seriously, shaved head and carefully sculpted beard-thing? Enough, already.)"

"There’s nothing about this mid-tempo pop that differentiates it from anything being produced by Katy Perry or the Jonas Brothers or any other pop star on the radio right now. In addition to the Nickelback track, the songs were co-written with members of the Click Five, Three Days Grace, Lifehouse and Evanescence/We Are the Fallen, guaranteeing the album a professionally-crafted pop-rock sound that sounds like it was written in a boardroom rather than a motel room or tour bus."

- Music Vixen, 2/5 stars
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"Daughtry rips off Nickelback, Evanescence, Lifehouse ..."

"Maybe it's a result of Daughtry's "Idol" training, which favored imitation over innovation, but it's hard to think of another act with such fidelity to the fist-pumping, power-chord-flogging rock star ideal. Daughtry isn't trying to be another Eddie Vedder, which would indeed have required authenticity beyond his reach. He's an imitator of the imitators, Vedder twice removed."

"Leave This Town" single-mindedly adheres to almost every post-grunge cliche, even the bad ones: the constant loud-soft repetition (an ominously quiet first verse followed by a louder chorus, usually with layered backing vocals), the peevishness, the growling."

"Every song, with few exceptions, represents the entire album in miniature -- if you've heard the first two tracks, you've heard the whole thing. "Leave This Town" is an example of the broadest possible formulas being put to their least imaginative uses."
- Washington Post
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"There's no way around it: Daughtry's new album is dumb."

"It's a collection packed full of groaning cliches and calculated banality, and while that's not so different from plenty of music in any era, "Leave This Town" is so formulaic it could have come from a laboratory at DuPont. Where they make plastic."

"Unfortunately, his dream sounds an awful lot like a compilation of outtakes from all the bands whose influence -- and, not incidentally, commercial successes -- loom large on this record: Creed, Staind, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down. Trouble is, there's nothing interesting about questing for fame and fortune by repeating what others have already done, and the only thing worse than playing dumb is being boring."
- Courant.Com
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"Did you find Nickelback to be a little too underground and substantial with too much diversity? Your dreams are about to come true."

"Having sold 5,000,000 copies of their début album, we have on our hands the sophomore album, sure to sell less now they've stopped restocking Guantánamo. You should know the drill from us using the N-word, it's gut-wrenching nausea provided by ugly Americans with bad facial hair. Popstars may have given us Girls Aloud, but that's not remotely enough to excuse the travesty of the knock-on effect we have to endure."

"Yes, we have ourselves another American Idol Deadbeat Semi-finalist. Surely the point of these competitions is to reward the winner, not give everyone who finishes a record contract. It's the music industry, not sports day at the special school. Perhaps a new contract might be in order banning any who do not win from ever singing again. Scratch that, probably cheaper just to shoot them in the face."

Chris Daughtry is a special kind of hell though, every single song goes exactly the same way. Dire introduction, dodgy southern-tinged verses conveying appalling lyrics (stay tuned for examples), then the drummer pounds the snare and toms together eight times and we're at the chorus, wherein the vocals start to emulate the various faces from a laxative advertisement and the melodrama reaches levels not seen since the last time a TV movie aired entitled "My Daddy Didn't Love Me On Tuesdays: The Jessica Simpson Story"."
- Strange Glue
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"The result: melodic hard rock that doesn't always rock that hard."

"The band's second album and first recorded with drummer Joey Barnes, bassist Josh Paul and guitarists Josh Steely and Brian Craddock, all of whom signed on after singer Chris Daughtry finished cutting his debut — does little to answer that question. In fact, it mostly muddies the waters.
- USA Today, 2 1/2/4 stars.
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"Too bad this is disappointingly generic hard rock with virtually the same formula that made his debut such a success."

"There are songs about sweating out tough times, learning hard truths, standing strong by his lover, searching for things to believe in . . . how many clichés did we leave out?"
- Boston.Com

Another Four Star Review for the New Taylor Hicks Album!

Here's yet another awesome review for Taylor's new album "The Distance" from a music blog called "popyoularity". Enjoy!

The Distance

4/5 stars (fyi - she gave Kelly Clarkson's crappy album 3.5 stars)

For some music artists there is no life after being dropped by their record label. This is not the case for Taylor Hicks, whose latest album The Distance reaches out to a broad audience and holds its own in the music scene.

Although Hicks had to rely on his own label, Modern Whomp Records, to release this record, it has not held him back. The record is a delivery of country, pop, soft rock and some blue grass tunes. Always setting himself apart from mainstream artists for not succumbing to the modern sound of electronic beats, and instead opting for a large instrumental backing, in his music Hicks’ voice is almost a breath of fresh air.

The record is sure to be a favorite for love tunes such as “Once Upon A Lover” which reflects upon the wanting of a past lover. The track begins with a slow rhythmic piano tune and works its way to a fast paced instrumental song amplified by the trumpet. While many songs on the album are based around love and relationships there are tunes of loss, hardship, and the war of 9/11, which are sure to be well received by the American public. “Nineteen” is a song about an average American teenage solider driven to war by the tragedies of 9/11. With lyrics such as “he’s somebody’s son, in a hole with a gun, in a foreign land, trying to hold onto his American dream,” “Nineteen” is sure to hit home to the patriotic of America, that are an older generation making up a core part of his demographic. Hicks is the second Idol to record a song about the average American, the other being Carrie Underwood’s “All American Girl.”

The most memorable tracks on the album include “What’s Right is Right” (which is the first single off the record) and “I Live On A Battlefield,” because of their catchy lyrics and beat. Both songs will have you clapping and swaying to the music. Hicks allows you to get lost in lyrics such as “all around there is desolation, scenes of a devastation, of a love been torn apart,” and fast paced guitar, drum and piano arrangements.

If you are in the mood to lose yourself to music in a raw form, then give the record a try. The Distance is a record sure to be loved by current and former Hicks fans known as the “Soul Patrol” and to possibly gain new fans for its pure vocal styling and old school sound.

+Juliette Elchuk

Taylor Hicks & Grease Rocks The Pantages Theater In Los Angeles

Taylor Hicks continues to get critical praise for his role as the Teen Angel in the touring company of Grease! The show rolled into Los Angeles this past week. Here's some local coverage:



The Los Angeles Times writes:

"...And then there’s Mr. Hicks, who shows these youngsters what stage presence is all about. Resplendent in a black suit glittering with rhinestones, tongue firmly in cheek, Hicks appears as the Teen Angel who advises Frenchy to go back to class in the sly “Dropout.” If only all guidance counselors had such a sense of event. (Hicks will not be performing March 18 and 19). Yes, he’s shamelessly plugging his new album, “The Distance,” but Mr. Hicks amps up the glamour factor and is a welcome guest. I just wish he’d played his harmonica longer...."

A2M Distribution - 1st Qtr Releases Includes American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks!

2009 RELEASES INCLUDE
TAYLOR HICKS, CASE AND HURT

A2M ALSO TEAMS WITH LOS ANGELES INDIE LABEL
SARGENT HOUSE



In just three years, ARTIST2MARKET DISTRIBUTION (A2M) has seen success with releases from Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, The Cool Kids, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery and others. Look for the Detroit-based independent music distribution and artist services company to make further inroads in 2009 as A2M expands its roster to include first quarter releases from Taylor Hicks, Case and Hurt. In addition, the company has teamed with indie label Sargent House for their 2009 releases. The diversity of these releases emphasizes A2M’s commitment to music from a variety of genres.

“Everyday, more artists from all genres of music are looking to take control of their careers and release their content to the marketplace in new and innovative ways and on their own terms,” said Paul Ignasinski, General Manager of A2M. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide Taylor, Case, Hurt and the Sargent House artists a platform for releasing their music to the public while still maintaining 100% ownership of their work.”

Some of A2M’s recent successes include Dolly Parton’s Backwoods Barbie with sales of more than 125,000 copies; Tracy Lawrence’s For the Love, more than 330,000 units scanned to date; The Cool Kids’ The Bake Sale (A2M’s first new and developing artist agreement), with 35,000 units already sold.

A2M will continue to offer artists, labels, and content owners a unique alternative to the traditional music label infrastructure. In addition to providing a streamlined and flexible supply chain solution to both traditional and non-traditional retail outlets, A2M offers music at an attractive price to consumers, while enabling retailers to achieve an ongoing fair profit margin.

Additional information about A2M’s Q1 2009 release schedule is tentatively as follows:

February 10:

TAYLOR HICKS: Title TBA (Modern Whomp Records and Artist2Market Distribution)

Platinum selling artist Taylor Hicks first achieved national fame in 2006 as the winner of the fifth season of American Idol. His energetic stage performances and influences derived from Classic Rock, Blues and R&B music had earned him a following of devout fans who have been dubbed the "Soul Patrol." Taylor recently launched his own record label, Modern Whomp Records.

CASE: The Rose Experience (Indigo Blue Records and Artist2Market Distribution)

Platinum selling R&B singer Case has sold over 1.5 million records via his three solo releases. In addition, Case contributed to successful movie soundtracks, most memorably "Touch Me Tease Me" from The Nutty Professor, "Faded Pictures" from Rush Hour and "The Best Man I Can Be" from The Best Man. His signature sound can be described as soul music with a twist of new jack and hip-hop.

Early 2009 (TBA):

HURT: Title TBA

Virginia-based alternative metal rockers Hurt formed in 2000. The Los Angeles based band received critical acclaim for their major label debut album, Vol. I, released in 2006. Their second album, the critically acclaimed Vol. II, was released in 2007 and generated their largest rock radio hit yet with "Ten Ton Brick." Both records combined have sold just under 200,000 units in the U.S. "It is a great honor for HURT and I to be closely affiliated with forward thinking people like those running A2M,” says HURT manager Tom Lewis. “We finally have partners who truly understand the band's music and vision.”

Sargent House

Indie label Sargent House offers a diverse and quickly expanding roster, including acts such as RX Bandits, Love You Moon and Maps & Atlases. Their first release through A2M was Good Old War, Only Way To Be Alone. Released on November 4, 2008, this critically acclaimed album blends upbeat acoustic craftsmanship with exquisite three part vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Upcoming releases from Sargent House will include new albums from Omar Rodriguez Lopez and This Town Needs Guns.

About Artist To Market Distribution:
Launched in 2005, Artist To Market Distribution (A2M) is an independent music distributor designed to work directly with artists, labels, and content owners to streamline the supply chain, and deliver new product to the marketplace at a lower cost. Over the past two years, A2M has partnered with a diverse group of platinum and multi-platinum artists including Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery, Sinead O’Connor, Unwritten Law, and Tracy Byrd. More information can be found at www.artist2market.com.

Source: A2M

Taylor Hicks and My Rocket Science Team Up

My Rocket Science, a service that Taylor hired to promote his upcoming album is gearing up for his new album, due out on February 10, 2009! It's this sort of grassroots promotion that has me excited for things to come. I honestly believe Artist To Market (A2M), the distribution company that has partnered with Taylor and Modern Whomp Records has their priorities in order in so much as they keep their focus on the artists and not the fatcats (Arista/RCA/J Records). Their association with My Rocket Science is just part of the promotional plan Taylor and his managment are cooking up as the rollout of his new CD approaches. You'll notice that Taylor is first on their 'clients' page. Rightfully so ;)

Their website writes:

Believe it or not, we are in the 4th Quarter! Everyone here has their eyes on January 2009 where we are already setting up some great releases for Q1. Taylor Hicks in February, John Frusciante in January and the full length release form Black Gold in January as well.

Taylor Hicks Exclusively Partners With A2M! Album Due Out February 2009

According to Sys-Con Taylor will be releasing his BRAND NEW SPANKING KICK ASS (I know, I'm biased! Heh!) CD on February 10, 2009!!! Yes, friends, it looks like the long wait is just about over! Excuse me while I go jump around like a friggin' lunatic! He has tapped Simon Climie to produce the album. He has worked with legends such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and BB King. Simon Climie also produced Michael McDonald's new CD "Soul Speak". I have this album and love it!! It's such a soulful album and beautifully produced! If Taylor's new CD sounds *anything* like 'Soul Speak', we're in for something really special IMO!! Billboard has a headline about this newly inked deal as well! More news to come!

Birthday Boy Hicks Signs Cutting Edge Deal Unlike Any Other Idol

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- He's "Takin' It to the Streets" on "American Idol" -- now Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks will be takin' it more directly to the people. Celebrating his birthday today, Hicks has tapped the independent artist services company Artist To Market (A2M) to release his much-buzzed-about new album, due in stores on February 10, 2009. The platinum-selling singer-songwriter will be releasing the new title with complete control of direction and ownership of his masters on his solely owned and operated, Modern Whomp Records label. Hicks is currently in the studio with producer Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill).

"In this digital age, when artists can connect more directly with audiences, this is a partnership that makes a lot of sense," says Hicks. "I'm very much enjoying being in the studio with Simon working on the new album and look forward to releasing it through A2M early next year."

"We at A2M are very excited to be working with the team at Modern Whomp Records on this release," said Paul Ignasinski, General Manager of A2M. "As the industry continues to evolve, it's exciting to see significant artists approach the marketplace in a new way, and truly take control over their own destiny. This is exactly why A2M was built in the first place -- to provide a service platform for these artists to prosper on their own terms."

During the last two years, Taylor Hicks has seen his self-titled Arista debut album certified platinum, performed with the likes of Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Jackson Browne, toured through Asia, penned the brisk-selling Random House memoir Heart Full of Soul, spent time in NY this past summer for his three-month Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in Grease, and will take Grease on a national tour beginning December 1.

In August Hicks' Modern Whomp Records released Early Works (a reissue compilation of his two independent albums, In Your Time and Under the Radar) through the Welk Music Group. Hicks is also planning the release of Whomp at the Warfield, a DVD showcasing a live performance by Hicks and his band at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco.

About Artist To Market Distribution:

Launched in 2005, Artist To Market Distribution (A2M) is an independent music distributor and artist services company designed to work directly with artists, labels, and content owners to streamline the supply chain, provide flexible service solutions, and deliver new product to the marketplace at a lower cost. Over the past two years A2M has partnered with a diverse group of platinum and multi-platinum artists including Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery, Sinead O'Connor, Unwritten Law, and Tracy Byrd, in addition to critically-acclaimed newcomers, The Cool Kids. More information can be found at http://www.artist2market.com.

SOURCE Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks Interview on CW11 News - New York

The media blitz just keeps on keeping on in NYC today when Taylor dropped by the CW11 News studios for an interview. What struck me is when he said he is "IN" the studio recording, which gives me great hope that we will be hearing NEW TAYLOR HICKS MUSIC before Christmas hits this year. I'm so excited about that. Now onto something far more important, his looks! haha! Isn't he the cutest thing? New York obviously agrees with him - I think I see a twinkle in his eye, don't you?

Taylor Hicks Is Back - Ready To Turn Heads - Again!

Taylor gave an exclusive interview to Fox News in Mobile, Al. He talked about his life, the songs he's been writing, his upcoming album and his other upcoming projects. Here is the interview and video. Part 2 of the interview will be up tomorrow.



GULF SHORES, Ala. -- It's been two years since Birmingham-native Taylor Hicks patrolled the winner's stage at American Idol. Now the Alabama soul man is getting ready to turn heads again.

Hicks on Broadway

After taking a break from the spotlight for a little bit, Taylor Hicks is starting to make headlines again. He recently announced he's joining the Broadway cast of "Grease." And after touring the world and working on an upcoming album, Hicks is hoping for more than just some "summer lovin’.'"

2006 American Idol win

Taylor Hicks sang "Do I Make You Proud?" right after winning the 2006 American Idol. That was two years ago. The Birmingham-native is back in the studio working on an upcoming album to see if audiences still feel that way. "I've been writing in Nashville with a lot of A-list songwriters for my album which I'm gonna try to release this fall," Hicks said. "I've been able to have the creative control and the time to be able to make a great representation of who I am right now as an artist, a songwriter, and musician."

Where is Hicks right now?

Many fans have been wondering not just who Hicks is right now.... but where he is. It's been about 18 months since his self-titled album was released and earlier this year - he parted ways with his record label - Arista. "It was very mutual. It's just one of those things that happen in the business and the main thing is the music and where the music's going and the fans, and how they respond to the next album. The next album is key."

Hicks said that next album should be ready in the fall. He calls it a snapshot of his current life. "Some of the music that I've really taken to right now and written is about things that have happened right now in my life, friendships, relationships in the past, but a lot of those... and just stories."

Hicks rapping?

Hicks is excited to have plenty of freedom on his sophomore album, which is saying something for a man who once shared the stage with rapper Snoop Dogg, "Rap might not be in my repertoire just yet. Although I have been known to do a little bit of rapping on stage - no rap albums just yet."

Aftermath of an American Idol victory

Hicks said he wishes he could relive his Idol experience, but the show's aftermath was a bit stressful. "Right after you win, they put you on tour and then you have to record a record. What they really want you to do is put the album out, during the time when people are buying records at Christmastime - it completely makes sense, but for a songwriter, and somebody who's creative - it's tough, and there's some pressure."

But now that he's back on an independent label... there's more pressure than ever. "I was very fortunate to get my first record deal with them, but I'm excited about what lies ahead in terms of particular deals and stuff like that. I'm pretty excited about a few things, which I can't tell you about!"

Hicks will play "Teen Angel" in "Grease," starting June 6. In addition to his new album slated for the fall, Hicks has a concert DVD coming out called "Whomp at the Warfield."

Taylor Hicks - The Songwriting Process

There's been a lot of excitment lately about Taylor's new album and the songs he's writing for it and the people he's collaborating with. I thought it would be interesting to go back and look at 2 GoFish videos he did a while back about this very topic. Every little tidbit about the writing process is so interesting to me. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! Enjoy!